At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating bold dishes and inspiring your team.
- Company: Las Iguanas, where food and fiesta come together in a dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy team events, competitions, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in a fun, energetic kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with strong leadership and culinary skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join Our South American Adventure at Las Iguanas, where our food is the heart of the fiesta. Inspired by the bold flavours, colour and soul of Latin America, our kitchens are fast-paced, energetic places where passion, pace and personality come together.
As a Head Chef, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen, leading the team to deliver consistently great food while creating a positive, high-energy culture. You’ll inspire, train and develop your chefs, run smooth and confident services, and ensure standards around quality, safety and cleanliness are always spot on. You’ll balance creativity with control, managing costs, labour and stock effectively, while keeping the flavour bold and the kitchen motivated.
Working closely with the General Manager, you’ll play a key role in driving the success of the restaurant and building a kitchen team that’s proud of what they deliver every day. We’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Head Chef who thrives in a busy, high-volume environment and loves leading from the front. You’ll be passionate about fresh food, confident developing people, and calm under pressure — someone who brings energy, structure and consistency to the kitchen.
If you’re ready to lead a kitchen that’s full of flavour, personality and passion — and want to build something special with a brand that celebrates individuality and teamwork — Las Iguanas is the place for you.
Why Join Las Iguanas?
- A Place for Everyone – We celebrate individuality and believe our differences make us stronger.
- A Competitive Package – 45-hour contract, quarterly bonus, and opportunity to earn Tronc.
- Amazing Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands and 25% for friends & family.
- Career Growth – Fully funded apprenticeships in Hospitality Management (Level 4).
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme – Make the most of tax-efficient savings on National Insurance, pension contributions, and a range of lifestyle benefits.
- Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme offers a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, a second medical opinion service, and more.
- Perks & Rewards – Access to wages before payday, salary finance support, healthcare cash plan, dental plan, discounted gym memberships, and savings on theme parks, shopping, and entertainment!
- Team Competitions & Events – Win a trip to Cuba, Brazil and beyond! Team parties, and even a chance to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers.
What You’ll Do as a Head Chef
- Work closely with the management team to achieve restaurant goals.
- Lead the guest experience by ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and kitchen hygiene.
- Create a fun, motivating team environment, with a focus on developing and nurturing talent.
- Be commercially minded, analysing profit & loss accounts to make strong financial decisions and drive efficiency.
Who We’re Looking For
At Las Iguanas, our teams are like family. We put people at the heart of everything we do, creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where you can be yourself, feel supported, and grow your career. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’ve got you.
Head Chef in Basingstoke employer: Las Iguanas Basingstoke
Contact Detail:
Las Iguanas Basingstoke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before your interview, pop into Las Iguanas and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff, taste the food, and get a feel for the energy. This will help you connect during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you’re in the interview, share specific examples of how you've led a kitchen team before. Talk about how you’ve inspired others, managed stress, and kept the kitchen running smoothly. We love hearing about real experiences!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk food! Prepare to discuss your favourite dishes and how you’d put your own twist on them. We want to see your creativity and passion for fresh ingredients. Bring your ideas to the table and let your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Las Iguanas. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, bold flavours shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you about South American cuisine. We want to see that passion in every word!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in training and developing others. Talk about how you've created a positive kitchen culture in the past. We’re all about teamwork here at Las Iguanas!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just say you’ve worked in busy kitchens; give us the details! Mention the types of cuisines you've mastered, the volume of service you've handled, and any specific achievements. We love numbers and success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to stay updated on the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our Las Iguanas family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Las Iguanas Basingstoke
✨Know Your Flavours
Before the interview, dive deep into the bold flavours and dishes that Las Iguanas is known for. Be ready to discuss how you can bring your own creative flair to the menu while maintaining the restaurant's vibrant spirit.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so think about how you inspire and motivate others. Prepare examples of how you've developed talent in previous roles and how you create a positive kitchen culture.
✨Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment
Las Iguanas thrives on energy and pace, so be prepared to discuss how you handle pressure in a busy kitchen. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed high-volume services without compromising quality.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with profit and loss accounts and how they impact kitchen operations. Be ready to talk about how you've made financial decisions in the past that have driven efficiency and profitability in your kitchen.